Chinese robotics company Geek+ is playing a growing role in transforming the UK’s retail and warehouse industry, with its autonomous mobile robots now helping major retailers improve efficiency, reduce errors, and address labour shortages.
Companies including Tesco, Asda, and Next use Geek+ robots in their warehouses. The robots move beneath storage racks, lift entire shelves, and transport them to workers, allowing online orders to be processed more quickly. Unlike traditional warehouse automation, these robots require only QR code floor markers and safety fencing, making deployment faster and more flexible.
Geek+, which became the world’s largest supplier of autonomous mobile robots and was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2025, says its technology enables retailers to increase picking speeds, maximize storage space, and improve operational accuracy.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) recently highlighted robotics as a key driver of productivity growth in the UK, noting that while British businesses have embraced digital technologies, they continue to lag behind in robotics and automation despite the country’s strong manufacturing heritage.
The UK has become Geek+’s largest European market. Its local partner, MotionTech, has deployed more than 2,000 robots across 10 warehouse sites, helping businesses meet growing demand while addressing ongoing labour shortages.
Industry groups believe robotics should improve productivity without replacing workers. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called for employees to be involved in automation decisions and for businesses to invest in retraining as robotics adoption increases.
China continues to make robotics a strategic priority as it looks to strengthen manufacturing and offset a shrinking workforce. Experts say the country’s robotics industry benefits from the same supply chains, batteries, sensors, motors, and semiconductors that have powered the rapid growth of its electric vehicle sector.
Looking ahead, Geek+ aims to develop fully automated warehouses by expanding beyond goods movement into automated picking, handling, and packing. At the same time, Chinese companies are investing heavily in humanoid robots, although experts believe these machines will complement rather than replace existing warehouse automation in the near future.
As demand for automation grows, UK warehouses are emerging as an important market for China’s next generation of robotics technology.
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